September 04, 2012

Magistrate Judge Positions Open at D.C. Superior Court

The District of Columbia Superior Court is accepting applications for two magistrate judge positions, in light of one judge's confirmation as an associate judge and another judge's retirement.

Superior Court Judge Kimberley Knowles, a former magistrate judge, was confirmed to the bench as an associate judge just before Congress left for the summer recess in early August. She was appointed in 2010 as a magistrate judge and had most recently handled criminal division calendars.

Magistrate Judge Joan Goldfrank is preparing to retire, according to court spokeswoman Leah Gurowitz. Goldfrank was appointed as a magistrate judge in 2002 and has served as chair of the court's Commission on Mental Health.

Goldfrank's replacement would take on her position as the mental health commissioner. Both magistrate judgeships pay an annual salary of $155,500, according to the court's job listings.

Applicants must be members of the D.C. Bar in good standing and have been practicing or teaching law for the past five years.

A panel of lawyers and community members recommend applicants to the court. Chief Judge Lee Satterfield will nominate and, with the approval of other sitting judges, appoint the new magistrate judges.